Researching nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities for yourself or a loved one can be challenging and emotional. Not only will you want to find the best facility, staff and cost, but you will also need to consider visitation, quality of life care and much more.
Consider Proximity and Visitation
Once you have a list of Albany NY nursing homes for you or your loved one, you will want to determine the rules around visitation that each facility has. The first criteria most people search for are facility location, enjoying close enough proximity to visit and taking care of any paperwork that needs to be done by family. For instance, if a nursing home is around the corner from your work but only allows visitors while you are on the clock, then the proximity does not benefit you that much.
Research the Facility’s Safety and Staffing
Facility safety and the types of staffing nursing homes employ are both critical criteria to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. It is crucial to ensure adequate staffing, both in number and in training, for the number of residents and the scope of the medical care provided. Much of this information can be found online through review sites. You can also visit the location and see some of the safety precautions yourself as you visit with the staff.
Tour the Facility
You will want a welcoming atmosphere and friendly and knowledgeable staff for your chosen nursing home. You will also want to ensure that you know what the rooms look like, how much space is available for visits and what onsite amenities and activities there are.
Ask About Resident Activities and Tasks
Different nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities have various activities that residents can participate in, and most will have a unique set of tasks that residents are encouraged to perform on their own. This can be especially important for residents with physical or mental limitations who may need help with some daily tasks and not all of them.
Carefully Read Contracts and Discuss Payments
Before you sign any contracts with a nursing home, it is essential to thoroughly read them and even review them with an attorney when possible. This review includes payment amounts and options, such as self-pay, insurance claims and others. This step will ensure that you and the facility understand each party’s responsibilities to the contract.
Choosing the right nursing home for yourself or a loved one is an important decision with many considerations. It helps to have a list of tips and tricks to break the process down and help you remember to research the right things.